Introduction
In today's digital world, the security of WordPress websites is of paramount importance. With Plesk as a powerful hosting control panel, website owners can effectively protect and manage their WordPress installations. This article highlights the best practices for securing WordPress websites with Plesk and expands on the topic with other important security measures.
Regular updates: the cornerstone of security
Regular updates are the cornerstone of a secure WordPress website. Plesk offers the option of setting up automatic updates for the WordPress core, themes and plugins. This ensures that your website is always equipped with the latest security patches.
In Plesk, navigate to WordPress > Settings and activate the option for automatic updates. In addition, it is advisable to perform regular manual checks to ensure that all components are up-to-date. Visit the official WordPress update steps to learn more about how to keep your site up to date.
Strong passwords and two-factor authentication
Another important aspect is the use of strong passwords. Plesk allows you to enforce strict password policies. Go to Settings > Security and configure the password requirements to your liking.
Additionally, you should enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all administrator accounts to provide an extra layer of security. 2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access by adding an additional verification step. For more information on setting up 2FA, see the [Plesk documentation](https://docs.plesk.com).
Limitation of login attempts and protection against brute force attacks
Limiting login attempts is an effective measure against brute force attacks. Plesk offers integrated tools such as Fail2Ban to detect and block suspicious activity. Activate Fail2Ban in the Plesk security settings to protect your WordPress site from such attacks.
In addition, you can automatically block IP addresses that have repeatedly failed login attempts. This significantly increases the security of your website by deterring potential attackers.
Deactivation of file editing in the WordPress dashboard
An often overlooked aspect of WordPress security is disabling file editing in the WordPress dashboard. This prevents potential attackers who gain access to an administrator account from being able to directly change code in your themes or plugins.
To do this, add the following line to your wp-config.php file:
"`php
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
„`
This simple measure significantly increases the security of your website by preventing unauthorized code changes.
SSL/TLS encryption for the security of your website
The use of SSL/TLS encryption is essential for the security of your website. Plesk makes it easy to install and manage SSL certificates. Use the integrated Let's Encrypt support in Plesk to obtain and configure free SSL certificates for your domains.
SSL encryption not only protects your visitors' data, but also improves trust in your website and can have a positive impact on your SEO ranking. Activate SSL for all your domains and ensure that sensitive data such as passwords and personal information are transmitted securely.
Regular backups as the last line of defense
Regular backups are your last line of defense against data loss and security incidents. Plesk offers robust backup solutions that allow you to set up automated backups of your WordPress websites.
Configure daily or weekly backups and store them in a secure, external location. Make sure that your backups are tested regularly to ensure a quick and smooth recovery in the event of an emergency. Further information on backup strategies can be found [here](https://webhosting.de/wordpress_richtig_absichern/).
Monitoring and logging of website activities
Monitoring and logging website activity is critical for detecting and responding to security incidents. Plesk offers extensive logging features. Enable detailed logging in the Plesk settings and check these logs regularly for suspicious activity.
An effective monitoring system can detect unusual patterns and warn you of potential attacks at an early stage. Use external tools such as Google Analytics or Sucuri for extended monitoring and security analysis.
Configuration of ModSecurity as a web application firewall
Another important security aspect is the configuration of ModSecurity, a powerful web application firewall. Plesk makes it easy to activate and configure ModSecurity. Go to Domains > Your domain > Apache & nginx settings and activate ModSecurity with a suitable rule set.
ModSecurity protects your website from a variety of attacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS) and other malicious activities. The correct configuration of ModSecurity can significantly improve your security posture.
Securing important WordPress files and directories
Securing important WordPress files and directories is also very important. Plesk offers tools for managing file permissions. Make sure that critical files such as wp-config.php and the wp-admin and wp-includes directories are adequately protected.
Use the file management in Plesk to check and adjust the permissions. Restrictive permissions prevent unauthorized access and changes to important system files.
Changing the default database prefix
An often neglected aspect of WordPress security is changing the default database prefix. By default, WordPress uses the prefix "wp_", which makes it easier for attackers to identify your database tables.
Plesk allows you to change this prefix during the WordPress installation or afterwards. This makes potential SQL injection attacks considerably more difficult. Follow the instructions in the [WordPress documentation](https://wordpress.org/documentation/) to securely change the database prefix.
Implementation of a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) is another important step in securing your WordPress website. Plesk supports various WAF solutions that can filter incoming traffic and block malicious requests.
Configure the WAF in the Plesk security settings to create an additional protective shield for your website. A well-configured WAF can prevent many common attacks and significantly increase the security of your website.
Management of user roles and authorizations
An often overlooked aspect of WordPress security is the management of user roles and permissions. Plesk provides tools to easily manage WordPress users. Regularly check the user accounts and roles in your WordPress installations and remove unneeded or inactive accounts.
Assign permissions according to the principle of least privilege to minimize the risk of internal threats. Ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive areas of your website.
HTTPS redirects for additional security
Implementing HTTPS redirects is another important step towards improving the security of your WordPress website. Plesk makes it easy to set up automatic redirects from HTTP to HTTPS. Navigate to Domains > Your domain > HTTPS settings and enable the option for automatic redirects.
This ensures that all visitors to your website use the encrypted version, which not only increases security but also strengthens user trust.
Securing the WordPress REST API
An often neglected aspect of WordPress security is securing the WordPress REST API. The REST API can be a gateway for attackers if it is not configured correctly.
Plesk allows you to restrict access to the REST API. Add appropriate rules to your .htaccess file or use a WordPress security plugin to control access to the API. A secure REST API protects your website from unauthorized access attempts and data leaks.
Integration of content delivery networks (CDNs)
The use of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) can not only improve the performance of your website, but also contribute to security. Plesk integrates seamlessly with various CDN services.
A CDN can help fend off DDoS attacks and provides an extra layer of protection for your WordPress website. Popular CDN providers such as Cloudflare and Akamai offer comprehensive security features that further increase the protection of your website. You can find more information in the [CDN overview](https://webhosting.de/cdn-verstehen).
Regular safety audits
Regular security audits are essential to check the effectiveness of your security measures. Plesk offers integrated tools for performing security scans. Use these functions to regularly check your WordPress installations for vulnerabilities and fix identified problems immediately.
Regular audits ensure that your security measures are always up to date and that no new vulnerabilities go undetected. Consider using external security services for a more comprehensive analysis.
Staying up to date: security trends and threats
Finally, it is important to keep up to date with the latest security trends and threats. Plesk provides regular updates and security advisories. Stay informed by following the Plesk documentation and forums and implement new security measures promptly.
WordPress website security is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and adaptation. With Plesk, you have a powerful tool at hand to effectively protect and manage your WordPress installations.
Additional safety measures
In addition to the measures mentioned above, there are other steps you can take to increase the security of your WordPress website:
- Disaster recovery plan: Develop a comprehensive Disaster recovery plan in the event of a successful attack. This should include detailed steps for restoring your website, fixing security vulnerabilities and communicating with your users.
- Virtual servers: Consider the use of virtual serversto isolate and protect your WordPress installations even better. Virtual servers offer an additional layer of security and are particularly beneficial for larger or more sensitive WordPress projects.
- Security plugins: Use proven security plugins such as Wordfence or Sucuri to further secure your website.
- Regular password change: Encourage all users to change their passwords regularly to minimize the risk of compromised credentials.
- Limited API access: Restrict access to APIs and use API keys to prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion
WordPress website security is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and adaptation. With Plesk, you have a powerful tool at your fingertips to effectively protect and manage your WordPress installations. By following these best practices and taking full advantage of Plesk's security features, you can significantly reduce the risk of security incidents and build a robust defense for your WordPress websites.
Remember that security is an ongoing process. Regular reviews and adjustments to your security measures are essential to keep up with ever-evolving threats. With Plesk and the right security practices, you can keep your Effectively secure your WordPress website and protect your online presence from potential threats.
